Reviewing another $8 string set from the big A.
This set is branded CHICIRIS, although the exact same strings seem to be available under several brand names.
These are described as "Flatwound", although the pictures all show roundwound strings, and they are indeed roundwound. Their big claim to fame is that they are in colors. The colors do not seem to be a coating (such as is the case with DR Neon strings) but instead seem to be anodized or some other method of coloring the string metal itself rather than covering it up. The colors do not react to a UV light.
Overall string lengths go from 45 inches up to 48 inches, with a winding length of 37 inches on the E and A strings. They are advertised as 45-100, but the actual colors and diameters are:
- Red 0.445
- Blue 0.565
- Gold 0.790
- Green 0.890
Tension is lighter as expected for those diameters, and I had to loosen the truss rod on my Yamaha BB234 from where it was set for the prior 45-105 Roto 77s. Still getting a bit of fret rattle, may have to adjust the string height as well. They don't feel floppy at all, though.
So how do they sound? Quite good actually! Very bright but overall good tone. I'd compare these to a stainless set of strings most closely. Good tone on the E string, not flubby. All strings have very similar tone. No idea how long they'll stay bright yet, but so far they're good. Another question is whether the color will wear off the surface of the strings, but at the moment they look shiny and new.
If you like or can live with colorful strings, these are a heck of a deal for $8.
This set is branded CHICIRIS, although the exact same strings seem to be available under several brand names.
These are described as "Flatwound", although the pictures all show roundwound strings, and they are indeed roundwound. Their big claim to fame is that they are in colors. The colors do not seem to be a coating (such as is the case with DR Neon strings) but instead seem to be anodized or some other method of coloring the string metal itself rather than covering it up. The colors do not react to a UV light.
Overall string lengths go from 45 inches up to 48 inches, with a winding length of 37 inches on the E and A strings. They are advertised as 45-100, but the actual colors and diameters are:
- Red 0.445
- Blue 0.565
- Gold 0.790
- Green 0.890
Tension is lighter as expected for those diameters, and I had to loosen the truss rod on my Yamaha BB234 from where it was set for the prior 45-105 Roto 77s. Still getting a bit of fret rattle, may have to adjust the string height as well. They don't feel floppy at all, though.
So how do they sound? Quite good actually! Very bright but overall good tone. I'd compare these to a stainless set of strings most closely. Good tone on the E string, not flubby. All strings have very similar tone. No idea how long they'll stay bright yet, but so far they're good. Another question is whether the color will wear off the surface of the strings, but at the moment they look shiny and new.
If you like or can live with colorful strings, these are a heck of a deal for $8.
